The latest technology in the printing industry, 3D printing, has replaced the conventional printing industry. Many companies have switched to 3D printing processes since it is cheaper for printers to manufacture and assemble. 3D printing related stocks are currently available at a deep discount, precisely because of the widespread inflation fears that permeate all markets.

This industry has the potential to grow in a single year as it seeks to expand into some of the major markets such as the metal, electronics and medical device industries. Even growth investor Cathie Wood has developed a manufacturing technology fund through her company ARK Invest, The 3D Printing ETF (NYSEMKT:PRNT).

The top 5 3D printing stocks you should buy if you are looking for long-term returns should include those listed below.

Note: This list is ordered by market cap, from lowest to highest.

Office Metal Inc. (DM)

• Sector – Technology
• Market Cap – $758,576,394
• Price – $2.42

Metal desk creates 3D printing equipment and related design software for metal and carbon fiber articles. The smaller systems offered by the company can handle prototyping and one-off products, while the larger printers are built to production standards for use in manufacturing plants.

Companies in the automotive, consumer goods and heavy industrial equipment industries are served by Desktop Metal. This encompasses mass production capability and small-scale Studio System technologies.

However, the company is still losing money, and concerns over rising borrowing prices and the possibility of a recession that could create challenges put pressure on the stock.

Although there is no doubt that this is a high risk investment, Desktop Metal may still be worth a look if you want 3D printing stock to grow impressively despite recent declines.

Materialize NV (MTLS)

• Sector – Technology
• Market Cap – $802,673,250
• Price – $13.59

materialize provides software and support for 3D printing with particular biotechnology applications. The company was born in the early 1990s in Belgium, where it first focused on medical technology and 3D imaging of the human body.

It serves a range of industries, including healthcare, aerospace and automotive.

He signed a major contract with a hearing aid manufacturer in the 2000s to offer these devices in custom, on-demand production based on each patient’s unique needs, and the rest is history.

After its recent downfalls, it would be worth taking a closer look at MTLS if you’re looking for a long-term play on 21st century healthcare. Theoretically, it is less cyclically dependent on manufacturing models than some of the other companies, as it serves medical device companies, hospitals, universities and research institutes.

Stratasys Ltd. (SSYS)

• Sector – Technology
• Market Cap – $1,162,140,000
• Price – $17.50

Stratasys participated in the The 3D printing stock boomed and fell in the early 2010s, but its operations persisted. Sales dipped at the start of the COVID-19 outbreak, but have since recovered as the Israel-based company won new manufacturing contracts.

Stratasys provides services to many companies which produce simple consumer goods, aircraft and automobile parts, and medical and dental industries. In addition to offering a variety of 3D printer models, Stratasys also creates software that help consumers speed up the process from concept to finished product.

It serves various industries including aerospace, automotive, consumer products and healthcare. Stratasys’ balance sheet shows over $500 million in cash and investments, in addition to being debt free.

Proto Labs Inc. (PRLB)

• Sector – Technology
• Market Cap – $1,261,248,034
• Price – $45.87

Proto labs is an e-commerce company providing digital manufacturing services. It offers 3D printing, injection molding, CNC machining and sheet metal fabrication.

The company was founded in 1999 and has since grown to follow the latest state of the art procedures.

PRLB’s evolution from a more conventional manufacturer to a 3D printing stock allows it to benefit from the advantages of this technology while relying on its established customers and business contacts. As a result, it is comfortably profitable in addition to projecting future expansion.

To expand its network of 3D printing partners, Proto Labs paid $280 million to acquire Dutch company Hubs in 2021. This should ensure that the growth of this dynamic title will continue in the years to come.

3D Systems Corp. (DDD)

• Sector – Technology
• Market Cap – $1,262,974,784
• Price – $9.69

Another pioneer in the 3D printing industry was 3D systems, who has seen his business widely remain stable over the past ten years despite suffering from the boom and bust years of the early 2010s. After a temporary lull at the start of the epidemic, 3D Systems is returning to growth.

For various materials and sectors, the company creates printers and design software (medical device manufacturers, dental laboratories, semiconductor designers, aerospace and automotive manufacturers). It asserts its dominance among independent 3D printing companies (measured by sales). With its vast knowledge and global reach, 3D Systems expects to attract many new companies as the 3D printing market grows in the coming years.

Investors can expect more stable growth and profitability from 3D Systems and an established IT company in the manufacturing industry. It also has a significant net cash position, which it can use to maintain its leadership in 3D printing software and technologies.

Final Thoughts

Investors should keep a close eye on the companies mentioned above right now, as 3D printing is expected to upend the stakes in the printing industry over the next few years.

Their stock prices are currently trading at a discount, so now is a great time to take advantage and buy these stocks, as they will undoubtedly generate respectable profits over the next few years.

In addition to other emerging and exciting technologies such as artificial intelligence, quantum computing and cryptocurrency, 3D printing is a great industry to capitalize on as markets will inevitably rally later this year or so. ‘next year.

Disclosure: This is not trading or investment advice. Always do your research before buying stocks or investing in any industry.

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